The cast was superb; could not think of anyone better. Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young had beautiful chemistry that made me smile just seeing them in the same room together. The whole Clark Kent trope was done magnificently: Ji Chang Wook playing Jung Hoo playing Bong Soo... it's amazing work. Truly. Yoo Ji Tae was wonderful as well... I was worried for Moon Ho a little at the beginning but he really came through in the end. Of course Young Shin was more than just a 2D heroine... Park Min Young has improved since City Hunter.
Can I just say that Eternal Love is my all time favorite OST now? "It's a beautiful feeling... what we've got deep inside...." I just... aw.
The story was wonderfully executed. It didn't drag on for too long like most dramas tend to do... milking out every little plot point and upping the melodramatic angst unnecessarily. Healer made sure to address each plot point and moved on to the next one while still staying on top of the main plot. What I loved most about this is that between Jung Hoo and Young Shin, there was not REAL K-drama trope of the "misunderstanding" or "first love" angst. When a problem arose, they TALKED IT OUT like a normal couple might and worked through it in less than one episode.
I definitely recommend this drama to anyone who loved City Hunter, but is ready to add in more of the comedy and a more natural romance. Min Young and Lee Min Ho looked good together, but I think I may like Chang Wook better. I also recommend this drama to someone who is into secret identities, spying, high tech gear, and all around wonderfully choreographed action sequences. Definitely worth a rewatch.
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The story line is nothing special what made me want to keep watching this was the actors and their chemistry with each other. THE whole time i was on my toes and almost losing it in some points. Honestly 20ep was a bit long they could have finished it in 16. The last two ep were a bit frustrating because it left me wanting to find out what happened to the other characters nevertheless, although my satisfaction was not fulfilled it was nice to see a drama that keeps the momentum going. And the fact that there was some comedy also made this drama enjoyable LOVED Chang Wook here even better than in Empress KI. So good luck and enjoy the drama it is HIGHLY addictive.
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My friend introduced me to this drama and I decided to give it a try considering it looked similar to City Hunter with the same female lead and everything. However, it exceeded my expectation and is so much better than CH. I marathoned this drama in two days and now I'm crying.
This drama gives you feels. Literal feels in the heart. Moreover, you'll fall head over heels in love with Healer/Seo Jung Hoo/Bong Soo/Ji Chang Wook. <33333 I don't know how I haven't heard of him before but after watching this drama, I'll definitely check out Empress Ki.
The think I liked the most about this drama was that it wasn't draggy anywhere. I've watched a lot of dramas and most of them tend to drag a bit close to the end. However, Healer not only didn't drag, it kept the pace going until the very last scene.
Also, the ROMANCE. omg... It felt so real, the chemistry was unbelievably convincing and awesome. You HAVE to watch it to know what I'm talking about. Ugh, JCW performed his role so well and so did PMY. They are both soo talented and loving in every way.
I'm still dealing with post-drama syndrome as you can see b/c I just can't believe it ended! I miss seeing Ji Chang Wook's beautiful face on my screen everyday. :( To deal w/ it, I've been watching BTS vids and stalking Ji Chang Wook ;)))) It's the only way to heal my broken heart ;(
Oh and! The music!! The instrumental music that always play at an intense scene is so good! I have been listening to it on repeat. The song "Eternal Love" is the main OST and I have to say at the beginning I wasn't such a big fan but after listening to it a few times, ofc I fell in love. lol
SO AFTER READING THIS AND YOU ARE STILL NOT CONVINCED TO WATCH HEALER, THEN YOU ARE GOING TO MISS THE MOST AMAZING DRAMA OF YOUR LIFE. lmao but srs, go watch it, it's totally worth it. :D
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STORY
I was captivated by the story since the 1st episode. I would even watch a drama just about the 'errand boy' job. I really liked the first two episodes, the drama had kind of a different vibe. After second episode it gave the vibe of City Hunter. It is not a bad thing. City Hunter is one of the best dramas I've seen and I have to say that Healer was even better.
The story was very well-written. I was never bored and did not fast-forward at all, which I tend to do. It was serious and funny at the same time. My type of drama.
I agree with most of the people that the ending was not a proper one. It could have been done in a better way, if they extended the final episode for about 10minutes. That would be enough. However, I liked the ending in general (much better than in City Hunter if you ask me).
ACTING
As I stated above, I am not a fan of Park Min Young, even though I have seen her dramas like City Hunter or Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Here, I did not mind her. Her acting was not top notch but she was immersed into her character very well. The character of Chae Yeong Shin was a strong character, very likeable and not weak at any point (even though we could have seen some of her weaknesses). I really liked that character. Great job, Park Min Young!
It was my first time watching something with Ji Chang Wook. I've just seen him on RM. He was a big surprise for me. His acting was really good and I was immersed by his looks. His character of Healer...I loved him! Also you could have seen the diversity in his acting here - just compare his acting as a Healer and as Park Bong Soo. It was so different. He has shown his serious side, but also a comedic side. Not many actors can pull it off as well as he can.
Yoo Ji Tae is a top notch actor. My first time seeing him was in Ditto. I have seen this movie a long time ago and don't really remember his performance there. However, he proved here that he is a Top Actor. In the beginning I wasn't sure if he is the bad guy or the good guy, if he is just a pretentious reporter or is he actually a great person? Throughout the drama, I was able to read him more. This made his character very interesting, you were not sure what he was actually thinking. However, he could express his emotions very well. It is really difficult to describe it, you just have to see it yourself.
Also I have to mention Kim Mi Kyung. Healer was the first drama I actually liked her character in.
Beside Healer, my favourite character was Park Sang Myun's character. Such a cool dad he was. Great performance by this ahjussi. I love every scene he was in.
MUSIC
Music was great but not perfect. Except for two songs, none of them stuck in my head. I really liked the song Eternal Love by Michael Learns To Rock and the instrumental main title. When it comes to music, I have to say that City Hunter's music was better, especially the instrumental.
OVERALL
As for me, It was one of the best dramas I have seen so far. Captivating, entertaining, gripping, fast-paced, great acting, very well-written story, funny and exciting.
Thanks to Healer I was not available in the Real Life for 20 hours. So if you are planning to watch it, make sure that you have no assignments to hand it or anything like that, or you will end up like me...being addicted to the story and not being able to escape the dramaland for 2 days.
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it's the perfect action-romance show and the other ones are not as good! hehehe >:D
Seo Jong Hu, a nimble fighter who goes by the codename Healer, leads a solitary life working as an errand boy for various tasks. When he was asked to collect DNA from a young woman, Young Shin, he discovers her connections to his father's past. Intrigued to uncover this mystery, he disguises himself as an intern at her newspaper agency, while falling head over heels for her. However, the more he investigates, the more he put them both in danger.Healer gives me unforgettable characters, cute romance with all the butterfly feelings, fun parkour action, unexpected comedy and angsty conflicts... all presented very cohesively in this 20-episode-show. Every emotional scene hits the way it should, I enjoyed every episode equally. Even after months, I still love it as much and keep coming back to rewatch specific scenes.
I love how authentic Healer and Yeong Sin's personalities are, their quirks, their flaws, their chemistry... played to perfection by Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young. Their romance felt fitting and never take me out of the angsty part. They respects each other and their relationship is based with consent and trust. Their hand skinships scenes are so memorable, I love every second of it. Aside from the romance, the action is full of comedy and thrills! I'm addicted seeing Healer's running sequence, it's like art! As far as ending goes... I like how 'simple' it is, there is nothing grand happened but most characters are given proper closures.
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The chemistry ... oh man, the chemistry between the lead protagonists is soooooo good. Their love is sweet and nurturing. I particularly liked how Ji Chang Wook depicted the differences between Healer and the shy Bong Soo. It made me very reminiscent of Superman and Clark Kent.
I found this drama very balanced across its genres. It touches on mostly Action and Romance, but there's just enough Comedy to keep it light enough. It has all the good feels, but it is by no means a melodrama. Thank goodness. I cannot recommend this drama enough. In fact, I am ready to watch it again!
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When I sat down to write this review I was full of gobbledygook. I feel like I could write a thesis on the beauty and wonder that is Healer. Once again, my expectations of the standard of Kdrama has just completely been blown up to another level. Can I just get married to this drama and be done with it?
This drama is both intensely sad and intensely funny. You've got to love that rollercoaster of emotions.
Watching this made my heart so so so melty. There are some badass characters in this drama and the way they kindly and gently treat their loved ones made such a big impact on me. There are some really lovely people in this drama who have such big hearts, gosh, the feels!
But let's not forget about the action. I loved loved loved all the smarts that went into the plot and the twists and the deceptions. I always enjoy a drama where the characters are constantly one upping each other. The fight scenes were also really great. I liked that they were practical, and not so showy like some fight scenes I've seen in dramaland *cough City Hunter *cough.
I do feel that it is my public duty to note that there are some plot issues that really don't make any sense. What drama doesn't have them?
On to the characters:
Young Shin - heroine
I feel like I understood Young Shin really well. Her thought processes, actions and decisions all made sense to me.
At first she seems ordinary but then we find out she grew up in a house of ex-cons and has a lot of tricks up her sleeves.
Young Shin is brassy and unapologetic. I like that no one is stepping on her. She's too busy bullying everyone around her. She's very confrontational. She's definitely a wild card and quirky odd but in a good way. I loved how she's always dancing.
As the hero points out, she is brave and she has coping strategies to help her get on with life.
I like that she doesn't have a best friend.
Acting: I first saw Park Min Young in City Hunter. I really loved that her personality is so different in this drama that straight away, I didn't associate her with Kim Na Na.
Jung Hoo
Let me tell you this. Jung Hoo is a guy who knows how to do arrogance right. He pulls it off so perfectly. He doesn't have to be rude, but his condescension just hits it right on the money every time. And he absolutely doesn't use it on the heroine. For. The. Win. This guy is damn good. I was bouncing around with excitement over all his moves. He is very calm and he completely lit up the screen every time. He is amazing and captivating and I'm so in love.
Jung Hoo - “living life was just whatever. Since I was born, I might as well live.”
He reckons he wants to live alone for the rest of his life.
I like his longsuffering exasperation when he has to make contact with people.
And similar to Ju Ji Hoon I like the lazy way he speaks. And he whispers! Be still my beating heart. =P
Jung Hoo would make a great Clark Kent because he totally owns the switch between badass Healer and bashful Bong Soo. I love the way his whole body language and facial expressions change when he's being Bong Soo. He completely owns his dorkish character and it's hard to tell if he's just being Bong Soo or if he really is that awkward because he doesn't hang around people much.
Jung Hoo is the first guy that I've seen who is not a neat freak. He's as sloppy as a girl.
He also has the cutest laugh. The funny thing is that his serious face is so darn sombre and then he smiles and he looks like a little kid.
Romance
Serious adorbs. Serious. Adorbs. It is honestly to die for. Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young just sizzled with their interactions. It is seriously that good. The chemistry...the CHEMISTRY.
I'm finding that I really enjoy the star-crossed lovers premise in Korean dramas.
So...it starts off with Jung Hoo stalking Young Shin for a job that he's working on. As he spies on her, he is very contemptuous.
But it doesn't last long.
I like that for both of them, they are individuals. They have a lot going on, and sometimes their relationship takes the backseat.
Jung Hoo is another hero who has the most kindest and softest eyes when he's looking at his lady love.
I also like that while he acts appropriately intimidated by her father, he still is man enough to kiss her regardless.
Moon Ho
This guy is full of surprises. I liked all his acting except when he was angry. His angry face seemed over the top. His relationship with Jung Hoo is pretty epic. Bros bros bros.
“How come you never lose to me even once?”
Also, I loved how dedicated Moon Ho was to the “kids”. He, himself, has moments of that childlike quality that is so endearing.
Moon Shik
I really liked the way the drama showed how Moon Shik was haunted by what he did in the past.
Chi Soo
Chi Soo is Young Shin's adoptive father. He's hilariously protective of Young Shin and suspicious of Jung Hoo.
The story of how he Chi Soo adopted Young Shin and how hard he worked to earn her trust is so touching.
Chi Soo has some great scenes with Jung Hoo as well. Their father-boyfriend meet and greet is the best ever.
Also, Chi Soo doesn't get the complete package deal of submissiveness from Jung Hoo and I like that. I think both know their boundaries and both put on a show to fulfill their expected roles. It makes for an interesting dynamic.
Min Joo
“Wait. You, a guy who wouldn't fall if someone threw you, fell on your own?”
Dae Yong
“He wouldn't answer even if I asked and even if he answered I wouldn't know.”
She's a spunky kid and I was really impressed with how brave she was in her care for Jung Hoo.
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To start things off, while there is a resemblance to City Hunter in the beginning the two shows are not similar. Healer is not a revenge drama. I don't consider it thriller and I struggle to call it action for reasons I will get into later. If I have to choose a genre other than drama, it felt like a Mystery-Comedy-Romance-Drama.
I found the story and plot to be pretty strong. There were no glaring plot holes that I remember and situations were handled realistically (I'm not including the tech and action scenes in this). Unfortunately, that realism might have been one of the issue. Every plot point closed without a huge climax. I want to my heart rate to speed up. I want to feel real anxiety for these characters. I want a sense of catharsis when situations are cleared up. But I never got that. Healer only managed to wring emotion from me twice and both were in the form of tears. The action scenes suffered from a similar problem. They were too sanitized. Too clean. Again, even if I know things will likely be all right for our hero, I want to worry. A show that can't do that doesn't work for me. The last big issue was the lack of comeuppance for some characters. For me, this also fit into the shows realism, but it really sucked to watch as a viewer. It all sort just ended. That's it. Move along.
As for what I did like, the characters were well written and well acted. There was never angst for the sake of angst, something I especially appreciated when it came to the romance. I thought the flashbacks fit nicely. And I enjoyed the general tone. It was funny too. Though often in a quiet way.
I want to give a special shout out to Ji Chang Wook as 'Healer'/Bong Soo/Jung Hoo who was my favorite part of the show. He did a great job switching between characters and I'll be looking out for him while hoping he works on his dramatic scenes. Park Min Young as Yoeng Shin never bothered me, but she's obviously improved a lot since City Hunter and Sungkyunkwan Scandal and it's nice to see. Kim Mi Kyung as Min Ja/Ajumma was also a pleasure to watch and my second favorite. The casting for present and past Yeong Jae and Moon Shik were also great.
I think the overarching themes in this drama are shown in these two lines:
But those people are like zombies. So we have to fight. If we just stay put, we might get bitten and turned into zombies too. - Yoeng Shin to Moon Shik
Media exist to diagnose the pain of this society and cure it. - Moon Shik reading the concept or mission behind Healer magazine
The power of the media and living life honestly and to the fullest. For everything Healer was and wasn't, it did consistently stay true to these messages. And while it didn't completely work for me, it clearly did for others. It's your choice.
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a must watch drama that hit all the nice spots for me. yup, it's not perfect but it has so little wrong for me. great casts and production teams. can't tell more, watch the show yourself ! Healer has a heart, not your cliche or typical Korean dramas out there. Healer has its very own charms, and extraordinary.
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The “ Healing” Approach To A Drama...
Healer revolves around Jeong- Hu ( Ji Chang- Wook), a courier who goes under the mysterious alias “ Healer”. Carrying out numerous errands for his clients with the help of “ Hacker Ahjumma” ( Kim Mi Kyung), Jeong- Hu is determined to be able to put together enough money to leave Korea and spend the rest of his days in luxury on his own island, away from the problems of civilisation. His dreams to leave the country seem to be put on hold, however, when he attracts famous news anchor Kim Moon Ho ( Yoo Ji Tae) to use his services in order to protect aspiring journalist Chae Young Shin ( Park Min Young). Going undercover as an unnoticeable intern, Jeong- Hu finds himself torn between his mission and his personal feelings when he realises a connection between Young Shin and what happened to his biological parents nearly twenty years ago.It can’t be denied that the Healer takes on so many action tropes it’s untrue . From Bourne Identity violence to the Clark Kent setup seen later in the drama as well as some downright strange plot moments, Healer may seem a waste of time, however, what the show certainly doesn’t lose out upon is a well- written plot , a developed male lead and female characters who felt flawed and most importantly human. This is undeniably all thanks to Chang Wook’s portrayal of Jeong- Hu’s contrasting personas throughout the show ; a fairly mind blowing moment of acting in regards to watching Chang Wook going from a stuttering intern to a confident and brazen fighter several minutes into a scene, away from the preying eyes of Young Shin. As a character, I’ll be honest in saying that there was a lot more which could have been fleshed- out with Jeong Hu, not least dropping a gradual build - up to his past from almost episode one rather than rushing this crucial storyline in a matter of a few episodes instead. On the other hand, one of the most impressive features of Jeong- Hu was undeniably crossing the “ moral grey hero” threshold for drama leads; typically sugarcoated by writers to be the heroic moral citizen, rather than beating up corrupt figures( even after they have begged for mercy) , going against the police ( let’s not forget even breaking into a police headquarters as well) numerous times and the shocking scene in the
last episode as well. This really helped to solidify Jeong- Hu as not merely a plot device, but flawed and more importantly, an individual who makes mistakes and possesses a conscience.
Of course, Park Min Young easily matches Chang Wook within her portrayal of Young Shin. Min Young plays the role with a level of comical brilliance as well as heartache, something not entirely to any Korean drama, but certainly refreshing within her character’s mould. In regards to Young Shin as a character, it’s easy to say that Young Shin is the perfect archetype of the “ fleshed- out” female lead, quick to speak her mind and having grown up in an environment of ex- convicts, more than “street- smart ‘’ especially as she grows to becoming accustomed to Jeong- Hu. Whilst the show undeniably relies upon the classical tropes of Korean dramas within the traumas and romantic setups between Shin and Jeong Hu, the one thing which I must give the show credit for with Young Shin, is that she isn’t overly blinded by love to deny her individuality and sense of duty as a journalist, something which I’d certainly hope Korean dramas will do more within portrayals of female characters in more recent portrayals of women in similar shows with strong female leads, such as Hotel Del Luna and Its Okay, Not To Ne Okay.
Last but not least, it cannot be forgotten the comical brilliance of Mi Kyung as “ Ajumma” within her talks to Jeong Hu and her surprisingly touching moments when we begin to learn more about her past as well. On that side note, the one character who you actually grow to adore a lot more than you originally intended to do so, was undeniably Moon Ho. Ji Tae was brilliant in his portrayal as a seemingly minor and somewhat creepy news anchor; one of Young Shin’s crushes ( besides Healer) and who shares an intriguing link to the pasts of Jeong Hu and Young Shin.
It came to my fears at first when Moon Ho was introduced properly in the series when he began working with Young Shin, that the scriptwriters would write him off as either a second Male lead or destroy his characterisation in seconds flat , but, his surprising redemption within his fraternal relationship with Jeong Hu, added to some brilliantly light- hearted and touching moments in the show, something which I valued a lot within bringing out the other characters’ humanity as we saw vulnerable moments between the leftover members of the original gang as well as Jeong- Hu. Overall, the show is trapped in cliches which aren’t entirely new to Korean dramas , but, it easily surpasses these faults through strong characterisation and moments as well to add The extent of the individual humanity to these characters.
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